Brazil - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Sandra Branco, Rob Williams

For many people Brazil conjures up images of football, Carnaval, and fine coffee, but it’s much more than beaches and bossa nova. If we could choose only one word to describe Brazil, it would be diversity. The variety of lifestyles, ethnic groups, landscapes, and climate is simply enormous. Jeitinho is how Brazilians deal creatively with life’s everyday complications. Literally translated as a “little way,” in practice it means that regardless of the rules or systems in place, where there is a will there is also usually a way. The jeitinho is so ingrained in daily life that you can see examples everywhere; managing to get a seat when all the places are booked up, traveling with more luggage than is allowed, or successfully ordering something that isn’t even on the menu. Culture Smart! Brazil is your guide to understanding the Brazilian people, their values, and the complexities of their national identity. Familiarize yourself with their traditions, culture, and way of life and your experience of this beautiful life-affirming country will be greatly enriched.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Brazil, Cultural

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Connor Weyant]

Not really the kind of book I would give a rating to, but overall a broad and brief overview of Brazil that will be useful for people visiting the country who want to engage with it deeper than mere tourism and sightseeing.

[Geko Hostel Pousada Paraty · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's quite good for those who are trying to get over the cultural barrier. However, some small areas of Brazil tend to have specific behaviours that are not covered. For example, Paraty is a small fishermen village south of Rio de Janeiro. Plenty of people spend their free time here rather than in big cities, but the manners and behaviours of them changes at big festivals or cultural events. If you are more interested, please visit http://www.infoparaty.com and for accomodation at Paraty enjoy our hostel http://www.Gekohostel.com or our friends pousada http://www.chillinnhostel.com
Have a nice trip to Brazil!

[Karah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish it was longer. Brazil inspires obsession, explosive in richness and beauty!!!

Beijos, Brasil!!!🥰💟💖💝🥳🥳🤩😍💙💚💛🧡❤💟❣💯

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guide provides a good overview of Brazil. It's not an easy task as the South American nation is one of great diversity. The book offers unflinching information about income inequality and social problems such as well as the many positive things about the country. I recommend this guide for anyone planning a visit to Brazil, be it vacation or business.

[Miranda W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, accessible overview, as always with this series. Read before/during a trip to Brasil and it provided a helpful orientation to the culture and history.

[Amy Mceuen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the 2023 edition so my rating is for that. Looking forward to visiting this incredible country.